In the early 2400s, humanity begins terraforming the planet Mars. Giant corporations, sponsored by the World Government on Earth, initiate massive projects to raise the temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean coverage until the environment becomes habitable...
In the game Terraforming Mars, you play as one of these corporations and work together in the terraforming process, but you compete to earn victory points. These are awarded not only for your contribution to terraforming but also for advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system and doing other commendable things.
Players obtain unique project cards (from over two hundred different ones) by buying them into their hand. The projects (cards) can represent anything from introducing plant life or animals and crashing asteroids onto the surface, to building cities, mining the moons of Jupiter, and establishing greenhouse gas industries to warm the atmosphere. Cards can provide immediate bonuses as well as increase your production of various resources. However, your income is supplemented by your production, and VP (victory points) are also gained from many other sources. Each player tracks their production and resources on their player boards, and the game uses six types of resources: MegaCredits, Steel, Titanium, Plants, Energy, and Heat. On the game board, you compete for the best spots for your city tiles, ocean tiles, and greenery. You also compete for various milestones and awards worth many VPs. Numerous awards and accolades make this game even more popular than it already is!

Awards and Honors:
2026 BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Inductee
2020 Årets Spel Best Adult Game Winner
2020 Årets Spel Best Adult Game Nominee
2019 Vuoden Peli Strategy Game of the Year Winner
2018 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Winner
2018 MinD-Spielepreis Complex Game Nominee
2018 Japan Boardgame Prize Voters' Selection Winner
2018 Guldbrikken Best Expert Game Winner
2018 As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année Expert Winner
2018 As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année Expert Nominee
2017 Tric Trac Nominee
2017 Tric Trac d'Argent
2017 Spiel der Spiele Hit für Experten Recommended
2017 Lys Passioné Winner
2017 Lys Passioné Finalist
2017 Kennerspiel des Jahres Nominee
2017 JUG Adult Game of the Year Finalist
2017 Juego del Año Recommended
2017 Jogo do Ano Nominee
2017 International Gamers Award - General Strategy: Multi-player Nominee
2017 Hra roku Recommended
2017 Gra Roku Game of the Year Winner
2017 Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year Winner
2017 Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year Nominee
2017 Gouden Ludo Best Expert Game Nominee
2017 Goblin Magnifico Nominee
2017 Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming Nominee
2017 Deutscher Spiele Preis Best Family/Adult Game Winner
2017 Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game Nominee
2016 Swiss Gamers Award Nominee
2016 Meeples Choice Award Winner
2016 Meeples Choice Award Nominee
2016 Jocul Anului în România Advanced Winner
2016 Jocul Anului în România Advanced Finalist
2016 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee
2016 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Nominee
2016 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game Nominee
2016 Cardboard Republic Architect Laurel Winner
2016 Cardboard Republic Architect Laurel Nominee
2016 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year Winner
2016 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year Nominee
2016 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game Nominee